Downtrodden image is bad for Abergele Scouts

Sep 9 2010 by Ian Hughes, North Wales Weekly News

Downtrodden image is bad for Abergele Scouts

A DOWN in the dumps image is giving the wrong impression to potential Scouting volunteers.

Abergele Scout Group has been appealing for help to keep their organisation going for a number of months.

Debbie Tanner, Development Officer for Snowdonia and Anglesey Scouts, says the movement is as vibrant as ever.

“It is presented as a bad situation rather than as an opportunity.

“We are trying to get people engaged but people will not get involved with a situation that seems so desperate. It is not desperate, scouting is as alive as ever and a brilliant, very positive opportunity.”

She added: “Considering the size of Abergele it shouldn’t be too difficult at all to keep a group going. We set one up in Valley and that is thriving.”

Debbie claims the movement is healthy but a downtrodden facade only drives people away.

She continued that moves are underway to expand Scouting in Abergele.

“We’re having a meeting to get people involved and developing Cub Scouts.

“There will be taster sessions to show people what it’s all about. On the first of October we’ll be going round local schools and letting the youngsters see what it’s all about.

“We are also building up a pool of potential draft volunteers.”

Towards the end of last year both Cub and Beaver Scout groups in the town were forced to close due to lack of personnel.

In May of this year the future of the 100-year-old Scout Group was described as distinctly uncertain.

Chairman Colin Knowlson has been with the group for 30 years. He said: “In all my time here the future of the group has never been so precarious.

“The group has such a long and rich history I would hate to think that it ceased at all, never mind on my watch.”

There are about 20 boys and girls left in Abergele Scouts.

Abergele Scout Group is organising a drop-in at the George & Dragon, Market Street, on September 13 from 7pm for adults who may be interested in getting involved in the group.

If interested, but unable to attend, contact Debbie on 01407 832192.